EXPRESSION OF DESMOGLEIN-I CELL-ADHESION MOLECULE IN PRIMARY TUMORS AND METASTATIC LYMPH-NODES OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

The expression of desmoglein I (DGI) in both primary turners and metas tatic lymph node of esophageal carcinoma was studied immunohistochemic ally in 102 patients using an anti-DGI monoclonal antibody. Normal squ amous epithelial cells strongly expressed DGI at their cell-cell bound aries. DGI expression in the tumors was divided into DGI (++), DGI (+) , DGI (-) according to the staining intensity. DGI (+) or DG (-) tumor s had lymph node metastases more frequently than DGI (++) tumors (p<0. 01). DGI expression was the same or of less intensity, than in the pri mary tumor in 128 (85%) out of 151 metastatic lymph nodes. These resul ts indicate that reduction or loss of DGI expression may promote lymph node metastases.